Regional review of mapping, production and subsurface data in a large area (15 to 20 Texas Counties) to gain a complete picture and understanding of the trends and character of producing fields, especially salt domes. Focuses definition of specific target field areas and specific drilling prospects.

Analysis of all subsurface well data; including logs, cores and completion data, to incorporate into a multi-level mapping program to define specific prospects and drilling locations.

Use of 2-D seismic to define two-dimensional cross-section views of subsurface and potential hydrocarbon traps. 3D Seismic carries the 2D approach a step further by producing a three dimensional view of the subsurface hydrocarbon traps with much greater resolution.

Detection of subsurface structural highs and major regional faulting through mapping of surface topography. Used for prospect refinement to identify large scale features to focus detailed subsurface analysis and seismic. This, coupled with aerial photography and gravity/magnetic surveys, was how most oil fields prior to 1930 were discovered.

Google Maps makes this “Old School” tool readily available to define and refine surface topography and vegetation anomalies. The access of airplanes after World War One made aerial photography one of the leading tools for oil and gas exploration prior to the advent of seismic.